VIDEO: It's not a torch run, it's basically a military parade, look at all those cops....

[ShaneGR]

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/feature?section=news&id=6069106

From San Fran today.

[aikoaiko]

1. there's a subset of protestors who are trying to physically prevent the torch run --

Police presence is required.

[tekisui]

2. That police prescence ie excessive.

Helicopters, FBI, and Homeland Security.

Lock down the Free Speech.

[aikoaiko]

6. The way i see it, the police are enabling the free speech of the Olympics participants

If the protesters hadn't stopped the bus by surrounding it, then I would have more sympathy, but its clear that some were trying to stop the event.

I support every protesters right to say or show their unhappiness about China, but stopping the Olympics from their SF event justifies the police.

[tekisui]

10. Just like "Free Speech Zones" enable free speech?

Stopping the Olympics from their SF event is warranted, and the want of many people.

[aikoaiko]

12. Free speech zones enable free speech? Not really -- do you think so.

I see you are one of those people who would justify stopping the speech of the Olympic participants and regular people who want to watch so I won't continue this, but I think there is room for both events to happen (protesting China's policies, celebrating the Olympics).

[tekisui]

14. Rewarding China's Policies is this Olymipics.

I was likening "Free Speech Zones" to the police, in enabling free speech.

And, BTW, I am as "regular" as any other people.

[aikoaiko]

15. I can see why you and others say that, but I still don't see justification for stopping free speech

[ShaneGR]

4. It's about 10 people running, 1 carrying, and 50 cops surrounding...

There are at least 30 cops running on the outside, another 10 on motorcycle inside of them, another 10 in full riot gear inside of that with the torch bearers inside of them. I can't remember ever seeing that.

[aikoaiko]

7. I agree, but as DUers documented here, the protestors almost stopped the event.

[girl gone mad]

8. This is a corporate propaganda event.

It should have been cancelled rather than waste public funds and resources defending it.

[aikoaiko]

9. well maybe, but there are a lot of people, regular people, who want to celebrate the Olympics

And protestors shouldn't get to deny them that opportunity even if big money is involved.

[Mojorabbit]

13. There are a lot of atheletes

who have spent years preparing for the olympics.

[DJ13]

3. it's basically a military parade

Isnt that fitting for a Communist country hosting the Olympics?

[Retrograde]

5. wouldn't a parade have spectators?

It looks more like someone being escorted to his witness-protection hideout - or the not-so-beloved leader being escorted into exile.

[crikkett]

11. ha, I thought it was a game of duck-duck-goose

because of the way that the crowds are scrambling to keep up with the random parade relay route.

It's all very silly.