Uneasy Protest

Today is definitely not a quiet day in London.  Since 10.30 this morning the Olympic torch has been carried through the streets on its journey to publicise the upcoming Olympics games in Beijing this summer.  Several notable personalities have been involved in each leg of the torch's journey - Sir Steve Redgrave, Kenny Logan, Konnie Huq, Amara Karan - and they have proudly represented all the good that the Olympic torch stands for.  But running alongside them have been thousands of Free Tibet protestors, rallying against the violation of human rights in China. The protests have, on the whole, been peaceful and the torch has been able to continue its journey while the protestors have definitely had their voices heard.  The situation presents a troubling dichotomy, and for that reason I decided not to take my friend up on his offer when he invited me to protest with him.  On the one hand I very much support the Free Tibet campaign and have done so for many years, having previously got involved in action to fight for Tibetan rights.  But on the other hand, I support the Olympic games and salute the good the event brings to the world, in terms of uniting nations and races and encouraging sport in young people.  So is it right to boo and hiss in the streets at the symbol of something that I also support?

But on the whole I think it has been a good day for London.  The sight of peaceful rallying and protesting is a bit of a thrill, and light has been shone on some very important causes.  It's definitely given everybody something to talk about.