The relay was run in a traditional fashion -- the runner, a torch, roller blading police officers and eventually the torch had to be taken to the next leg via bus.
Why?
Because of protesters and demonstrators, OH MY!! As seen here in the New York Times article.
And don't forget the photos.
They were protesting China's persistent suppression of Tibet -- especially after the most recent outbreak of violence which only occured last month.
While the most recent protests to the 2008 Olympics have focused on the Chinese government violently putting down the Tibetan protests, let's not forget people have been protesting because of China's ah-mazing human rights record.
Thousands (possibly millions) of people have called for China to stop supporting the Sudanese government's genocide in Darfur. China investment in the Sudanese oil fields.
A rally was held in October 2007 in Philadelphia where former Olympian Joey Cheek spoke out against the genocide in Darfur and China's involvement. The photos from that event are here.
Steven Spielberg was the creative consultant for the opening ceremonies until Mia Farrow called for his resignation on Nov. 8 2007. He resigned in February 2008.
A Save Darfur facebook group has already called on its members to protest the relay when it makes the only stop in the United States on April 9 in San Francisco.
Pres. Bush even said "not on our watch" would another genocide occur. Unfortunatly, not much is being done on the federal level. However, on the state level. governments are slowly but surly divesting from Sudan.
According to the NYT, Pres. Bush plans on attending the opening ceremonies.
So, much for not on our watch. Then again I guess it's only appropriate for the POTUS to pay respect to the country that lends us billions of dollars.
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