[Intiltern]

If people would spend half the effort actually pressuring their elected officials to do something, the effect would be much greater than running out and grabbing a stupid industrial cigarette lighter and getting tackled by cops on rollerblades.

No, I do not agree with China, many of its policies, and the way it is handling the Olympic development in Bejing. But I am not going to run out and tackle a previous olympian because of it.

The cops probably ARE getting heavy handed, but at the same time some of these protesters are not helping things.[/quote]

Yes but to be fair in London at least many of the torch bearers were minor celebs directed by their agents and PR agencies to get "face time" in the media and had no connection with sport. Others that were sports people were not athletes and yet more were ex-athletes seeking publicity to support their "media" careers. Plenty of athletes and others simply refused to take part.

I don't think you are correct in saying the torch is AN ESSENTIALLY SYMBOLIC ACT THAT HAS LITTLE, IF ANYTHING, TO DO WITH CHINA AND ITS POLICIES. Otherwise why are they so protecting of it and why are they choosing to run it through Lhasa and to the top of the highest peak in Tibet? Just to rub their noses in it I say.

I hear that in San Francisco there will be a "Free Tibet" flame running alongside the torch? Good for you.

At least the Americans have the balls to stand up the the Chinese.