Deadspin
The beleaguered Olympic Torch is in Argentina today, where protesters in Buenos Aires say that they will be out in force, but will not try to snuff out the flame (wink, wink). Of course, crossing the Chinese government is one thing; but when you anger the McDonald's Corporation (pictured right), you're asking for an ass kicking. Don't expect Mayor McCheese to alter the torch route at the last minute to avoid trouble.
Well, the relay has been loads of fun so far, hasn't it? IOC president Jacques Rogge said late Thursday that the Olympics were "in crisis" over the torch relay chaos, but then issued a statement on the IOC site that left many scratching their heads. While saying that protest "is a basic human right," he also went on to state:
But we do ask that there is no propaganda nor demonstrations at Olympic Games venues for the very good and simple reason that we have 205 countries and territories represented, many of whom are in conflict, and the Games are not the place to take political nor religious stances. ... If athletes genuinely want to express their opinion, that's fine. But let's not forget, there is also the right not to express an opinion."
So that's um, vague. You should lay down more explicit guidelines, Jacques. Otherwise when the 1600 meter relay anchor comes speeding across the finish line dressed as a Tibetan monk, don't come crying to me.
Meanwhile, the Chinese government says that the torch will pass through Tibet as planned, and that everyone should remain calm; all is well!
Also, here's video of torch bearer Majora Carter in San Francisco on Wednesday, who was tossed out of the relay by police for waving a Tibetan flag as she ran. Hey, at least she saw the torch. Thousands of people were there all day — some coming from as far away as China — and never saw it once.
Olympic Torch Lands In Buenos Aires [TheAge.com.au]
Mayor Says Olympic Torch Should Bypass Tibet [SFGate]
Freedom Of Expression Is A Basic Human Right [IOC Official Site]
Comments
Rogge has an interesting slant on the situation.
I wouldn't worry about the people of Argentina causing too much of a fuss. The British taught them some manners back in '82.
Forget protestors. If it's in Argentina, I'd be more worried about it being snuffed by the "Bucket of Water of God."
I haven't seen people this determined to out a flame since Tom Cruise.
The fuck is Donald's?
I wonder if Maradona is in that McDonalds right now putting away four or five Royales with Cheese?
"the Games are not the place to take political nor religious stances"
Except, of course, in the Qu'ran shot put.
If Argentina can survive Madonna playing Evita, they can survive the torch relay.
Subway's five dollar footlong is still a better deal.
Damn, I might actually have to watch the Olympics this year. Between the prospect of athletes passing out from the smog infested air to the potential tasering of those who choose to "express an opinion", this could be the best games ever.
This is a bad idea. Argentina's still pissed over that Madonna movie.
The US Economy is worse than I thought if the Government has gone and sold the Washington Monument to Argentina.
@FredGarvin: What better place to be if an athlete literally busts a lung, or needs a new MCL or what have you. The authorities seem to be able to produce replacement parts on demand.
As an Argentine, I can assure that none of us give a fuck about any political demonstrations that don't involve red meat, toy poodles, and/or the expression of our passion through the seductive magic of dance.
@Doug Llewelyn, Court Reporter: Zing! Yes, we'll definitely have to keep an eye on the proceedings.
People traveled from China to SF to see the torch that is on its way to China? Huh?
Mentioning Mayor McCheese on Wyshynski's last day is just cruel.
@UkraineNotWeak: And Citi has relocated there too! Actually, maybe that's for the best...
Majora Carter hasn't been this upset since her possessed mask fought Link on the moon. No? Alright.
/Puts on shoes and heads out.
So McDonald's finally took Tibet off the Dollar Menu?
@Carlton_Whitfield:
They had to downgrade their HQ after shelling out so much money to the Mets.
@UkraineNotWeak: Were they told that it's a monument and not a fun new toy? I do believe Messi and Maradona were using it to pleasure themselves.
The fine print on that McDonalds promotion provides One Free Tibet with the Purchase of One Tibet at equal or greater value, and Medium Beverage.
@futuremrsrickankiel: When you discuss red meat and poodles I hope you are differentiating between the two.
@Whitey Fisk: They're the ones with the Big Mic.
Don't expect Mayor McCheese to alter the torch route at the last minute to avoid trouble.
Mayor McCheese will take that torch and run it right up your pooper.
The ridiculously gorgeous Gabriela Sabatini will be the final runner effectively making the Argentinian leg of the Olympic Torch tour the best.ever...EVER.
@Encouraging Referee Pitman: No kidding. I was expecting a hot chick when I clicked through, and I get this instead.
Start a discussion:
Login with your username and password below. Or comment on this post via email.
Forgot your username or password? New User?