Dale Says

We rode our bikes yesterday to AT&T Park and waited for two hours to see the Olympic Torch. We’re supporters of the Olympics, and believe they are one of the few multinational activites that promote peace and understanding between countries. We’ve attended several Olympic Torch relays over the years, and enjoy the wonderful individual stories and symbolism of the event.

The crowds grew as we waited. There were numerous groups representing numerous interests and a lot of families with small children who were just there to see the torch. There were pro-China/pro-Olympics contingents, pro-Tibet/anti-China groups, and hundreds of people like us waving U.S. or Olympic flags and patiently waiting in the sun. There were dozens of flags flapping in the breeze — flags of China, the U.S., Tibet, and the Olympic rings, and they framed a colorful illustration in a rennovated section of a beautiful city.

There were dozens of police keeping the streets clear, overhead helicopters, and media people weaving in and out of the crowds, photographing and interviewing the bystanders. There were lots of demonstrators, too, mostly Asian. Some chanted for Tibet and Burma, while others screamed “Liar, Liar” at them. There were signs that said “Free Burma”, “We Support Olympic Games”, and “Shame on China”.

As the afternoon dragged on, the police changed into riot helmets and added long wooden sticks and handfuls of plastic handcuffs. The crowd grew restless. Children became fidgety and some families began to move on.

Eventually a reporter approached us and told us the torch relay had changed courses and was across town on Van Ness Street. “How does that make you feel?” She asked.

“Pretty disappointed,” we agreed, and we didn’t know whether to be upset at the demonstrators or the mayor. The demonstrators had stolen our rights to see the torch, and the mayor had given up a chance to show that San Francisco can permit but contain political dissent. Our city hadn’t embarrased itself, but it hadn’t made itself proud, either.