Olympic Torch

I take it that's the only reason, Nick?

Biggest Thing on Two Wheels wrote: I take it that's the only reason, Nick?

Possibly not... :p

Let Greece have the games forever,excellent idea. And by the same token,England the World Cup..

EdelBrock wrote:

Bonzette wrote: How does grabbing the torch in anyway compare to the suffering in China and Tibet? They're not killing a symobol are they? They're putting a flame out that represents 'unity' and 'peace' because with the games being held in China - that symbol has already been 'killed' or would you prefer the word 'murdered'? Coz putting a flame out with an extinguisher, is exactly the same thing as having an intent purpose to kill thousand, hundresds etc...

So just to clairfy........you're saying that china has not inflicted any kind of pain and suffering in China or Tibet? Because that's excatly what you have said reads - do you seriously think the lives of those in 'Paris' or 'London' have been traumatised as a result of the protests? have they fuck - they've all gone home and back ot their lives where they can do the most simple of things in every day life.

I doubt the majority of protestors have turned round and thought of any people taking part in the torch fiasco 'they got what they desreved' - they had one aim, and one aim only - to get the flipping torch and put a flame out.

And don't think you can step up to any one on this thread and accuse them of having no idea of what 'symbolisms' are. We all know, which is why we are discussing that very purpose on the thread.

We all support the idea of the Olympics, we all know how important it could be, and the flame. But if you're gonna tell me that a flame is more important than human beings (how ironic you should harp on about The torch being about 'creating so much in the world') - i'm gonna tell you to fucking do one!

First off, yesterday's posts might have been a little pointed. I was having a bad day and had a bit of the drink. So my insults to everyone... well I apologize.

I still feel the same (minus the insults) though and you have gravely misunderstood the whole concept I am trying to say.

First, I never claimed China hasn't suppressed Tibet. Not really sure where you got that from. I personally don't like the actions of China; politically, economically or towards human rights. We pander too much to them. It's not the reasons behind putting out the torch I'm against. Protesting is fine, but we, as sophisticated countries, need to step up and serve as an example. Rioting around a torch bearer (who does not stand behind China) isn't the proper place.

My main disappointment is that I expected more from those on this board. I regard most here to be well-educated and a step above the norm. The initial novelty of putting out the torch is gratifying, however on the bigger picture, it sets a bad precident. The Olympics have been protested in almost every year it is played. There is always a reason for world dissent. Before the protests were organized by countries and athletes, but done with the greater picture in mind. The torch has now been attacked by individuals, with no restraint. Maybe the cause was some-what proper, but what about the next demonstration? What makes this demonstration proper and another not? We now have no right to complain when some radical group decides to push thier thoughts forward.

By the way, I never said that symbols are more important than human life. At the same time, however, symbols are very important to create a harmonious society and should not be taken for granted or minimized.

While I agree that the Olympics have corruption, drug use, and many other things to taint the reason for its existence... well that is what happens to anything that is large and creates alot of money. That can not be stopped. We need to rise above this issue, not stop the Games simply because its not perfect. China is far from where it should be, but excluding it is far more dangerous than including it. Keep your enemies closer than your friends. Plus, China has moved forward (maybe not as fast as we would like) to our lifestyles... alienating is not the answer.

Do one

Biggest Thing on Two Wheels wrote: big money tussle between sponsors, developers and, in some disciplines, professional athletes.

China will invest eye-watering amounts of money into the Games and none of that money will go to the common man.

Oh roll on 2012

S' thruth. For the Torch to be a Target for protests is, as said, simply using it as a platform and taking advantage of the spotlight. Good work.

The issue of (re)using one Location for each of the Winter- Summer Olympics is getting attention. Pity that Countries, Cities see the Games as a way to get their streets brought up to par and Sport venues built that should have been in place to some extent.

China razing whole villages etc.s for this is another.

Noel Edmunds-under-Lyme wrote: Let Greece have the games forever,excellent idea. And by the same token,England the World Cup..

From now on I'm not going to have any opinions of my own, just copy everything that Noel Edmunds-under-Lyme says.

What a fucking brililant idea

Jeffari-al-Texani wrote: What's that say??? My French is quite rusty...hell, it's nonexistant...

My French is very rusty, but I *thought* I knew what it meant, until I put it through Google translation:

"If you could just avoid sperm fire has my Chinese contracts"

The procession through San Fran is hilarious. So many security around it that the only way to view it is by helicopter. The presenters on BBC News 24 can't stop laughing. It's only funny until someone gets hurt. They're going to run someone over with a motorbike soon, you'll see.

I bet they don't have trouble in China and Tibet. They've said outright that they'll kill anyone who attempts to disrupt the procession.

Biggest Thing on Two Wheels wrote: The procession through San Fran is hilarious. So many security around it that the only way to view it is by helicopter. The presenters on BBC News 24 can't stop laughing. It's only funny until someone gets hurt. They're going to run someone over with a motorbike soon, you'll see.

I bet they don't have trouble in China and Tibet. They've said outright that they'll kill anyone who attempts to disrupt the procession.

Its sad really, not hilarious. They aren't trying to protect from a similar incident, but the 'one-up-manship' that occurs with these things. Fucking idiots in Paris should be horsewhupped.

I don't care who I offend, What China did and still is doing to Tibet is wrong and they deserve no respect.

I will not watch the games, and I will let the Sponsor's know by email if their sites allow, that I will not watch.

2 thumbs up for France San Fran could have been better, but at least they made them change their plans. And I'm sure we have not seen the last!

The important thing is the world is taking notice!

EdelBrock wrote:

Its sad really, not hilarious. They aren't trying to protect from a similar incident, but the 'one-up-manship' that occurs with these things. Fucking idiots in Paris should be horsewhupped.

Been on the pop again, Edel?

EdelBrock wrote:

Biggest Thing on Two Wheels wrote: The procession through San Fran is hilarious. So many security around it that the only way to view it is by helicopter. The presenters on BBC News 24 can't stop laughing. It's only funny until someone gets hurt. They're going to run someone over with a motorbike soon, you'll see.

I bet they don't have trouble in China and Tibet. They've said outright that they'll kill anyone who attempts to disrupt the procession.

Its sad really, not hilarious. They aren't trying to protect from a similar incident, but the 'one-up-manship' that occurs with these things. Fucking idiots in Paris should be horsewhupped.

So you're actually up for a bit of violent behavior really, as long as it's aimed at those 'fucking idiots' in Paris and not a torch?

Thanks for making everything you've said on this thread Crystal!

You do realize I was in the military, so violent acts don't bother me... as long as they are directed at the right people.

and before you say anything about Tibet, i am against the violence over there.... just choose a proper target, not an innocent bystandard...

It is still coming her on Thursday. My protest will be to be at work. Fook me I think I'll be be late due to road closures anways.

Well it is on tomorrow in about 11 hours.

At work we are running a book. My money is on 65 arrests.

You should also able to see a bit of Canberra behind all those black tracksuits.

I can't believe that we as in our local government is shelling out two million dollars for this farce.

NOOLigan wrote:

I can't believe that we as in our local government is shelling out two million dollars for this farce.

How much of that is for the security, I wonder.