Protest Your Protest Away

As the Olympic Torch arrives in the USA it has become, unfortunately, about protestors extinguishing the Olympic Flame instead of a moment for many special people who have been chosen to carry it as well as cities and towns that will host different legs.

I have no problem with people protesting or demonstrating against China's Human Rights Record as the torch moves from city to city and through town after town - whether it be in the US or any other country. However, I do have a problem with demonstrators getting physical and feeling that extinguishing the torch is some sort of symbolism.

The torch represents the spirit of the Olympics and has nothing to do with the Chinese. They are simply the hosts for this years edition of the games. Furthermore, a torch bearer does not by default support the Chinese because they were chosen for an honor that most people will never experience. I can tell you that they do support what the Olympics stand for.

I mean please, does it take that much to protest the guy in a wheelchair carrying the Olympic Flame?  Do you think that anyone who has been a victim of Chinese Human Rights Violations sees any nobility in harassing innocent people?  Apparently some people are NOT smarter than a fifth grader. 

Furthermore, by acting like complete morons, the protestors are in danger of losing their platform (and their media coverage) as the IOC is considering cancelling the remainder of the torch run outside of China. In fact, France already cancelled the end of theirs, likely to the idiotic cheers of the protestors who do not realize they lost thier forum to be heard.

If this madness continues, I can guarantee that any remaining support will turn against the protestors as the media begins to focus on those who lose out because the torch run is cancelled or those who experienced the raw stupidity of a demonstrator trying to extinguish the flame while they ran with the Olympic Flame.

Do protest China's Human Rights Violations. Don't physically violate the sanctity of the Olympic Flame.

Comments

[Topher]

I second that emotion. I really feel bad for the torch bearers, and embarassed for those who stole their moment.

[Karen]

Amen!

[txrunnergirl]

Great post. I couldn't agree more!