SAN FRANCISCO—The Olympic Torch came to San Francisco on Wednesday, and was met with crowds of protesters and supporters, waving brightly-colored flags and banners. Tibetans, Darfur activists, Uyghurs, Taiwanese, as well as those loyal to mainland China all had a lot to say, turning the scenic Embarcadero roadway into quite a spectacle.
Even though the torch never followed its planned route along the waterfront, the throngs of people continued on with their agenda, taking advantage of the spotlight shone on the City by the world's media. Although one could assume that the people of China would not be witnessing the day's happenings, as the Chinese communist regime keeps a lid on all hint of negative publicity.
Afraid of a possible confrontation with the multitudes, Mayor Gavin Newsom redirected the entire torch route northwards on Van Ness Avenue, avoiding a showdown that many had anticipated, as San Francisco was the only stop of the Olympic relay in North America.
Angela Saavedra of Los Angeles was disappointed that she didn't have a chance to see the Olympic torch, yet she felt that witnessing the peaceful demonstrations was an experience of a lifetime.
"They believe strongly in it, and maybe we should listen to them and work it out in a peaceful way," Angela commented, after seeing the perseverance of the protesters.
"I am a little disappointed, but glad to be a part of history."
Saavedra saw hope in the mere fact that the demonstrations could take place, as the freedom of speech and the right of assembly constitute the basic ingredients of what a democracy is built upon.
There were several high profile demonstrators in attendance as well. Tuesday night Richard Gere and Archbishop Desmond Tutu participated in a Tibetan rally at the United Nations Plaza. On Wednesday, San Francisco Supervisor Chris Daly, who authored a resolution to welcome the Human Rights Torch and Tibetan Freedom Torch last week, was in the front row of the Tibetan march, holding a banner and wearing a headband which read "Expose Beijing."
Uyghur activist Rebiya Kadeer was due to fly back to Washington D.C. on Wednesday night, yet she was full of vigor, talking to reporters about the oppression of her people in China.
The 2006 Nobel Peace Prize nominee, who was released on Mar. 14, 2005 after being imprisoned in China for six years, is a well-known dissident, who while petite in size, emanates strength, conviction, and energy, which can be felt just by being in her presence.
"They (the Chinese communist regime) call Xinjiang an autonomous region. But, there is no autonomy; they are persecuting my people; they have been oppressing people for their religious belief; they are lacking any kind of living rights," said Kadeer.
According to her translator, Ms. Rushan Abbas of the Uyghur American Association, there are about 10,000 Uyghurs in the U.S. and about 25 million worldwide, mostly in the Xinjiang region of China.
"They are not even allowing people to speak their own language, do not allow us to use our own alphabet. Thousands and thousands of people are in jail right now for their peaceful demonstrations or for asking for their basic rights. People are being persecuted and prosecuted without any kind of fair trial. People are basically facing global suppression by the Chinese government," Kadeer declared.
The Olympic Torch continues on its journey around the world, following the spirited protests in London, Paris, and San Francisco.
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