Like Moths to a Flame

The Olympic torch, which is traveling in various places around the world as part of a Chinese PR campaign to both promote the Olympic Games and China and her sponsors, is not getting the welcome reception they had hoped for. It's attracting protesters like moths to a flame:

PARIS (AP) - The Olympic torch was extinguished and put on a bus for protection at least twice Monday as it moved through Paris amid heavy protests, including at least one attempt to rush a torch-bearer.

A man identified as a Green Party activist was grabbed by security officers as he headed for 1997 400-meter world champion Stephane Diagana, who was carrying the torch at the beginning of its relay from the first floor of the Eiffel Tower. The man was tackled before he got close to Diagana.

Later in the relay, police threw other protesters to the ground and carried some away. The torch was snuffed out and placed on a bus.

It was extinguished and put on a bus again less than an hour later as protesters booed and began chanting "Tibet!" although none appeared to rush the torch.

The relay resumed but protesters were planning more demonstrations along Monday's route.

On Sunday London police repeatedly scuffled with protesters decrying China's human rights record and a recent crackdown on Tibetans. One tried to grab the torch, while another tried to snuff out the flame with what appeared to be a fire extinguisher. Thirty-seven people were arrested.

The flame's round-the-world trip is the longest in Olympic history, and it is meant to shine a spotlight on China's economic and political power. But activists have used to publicize anger at Beijing's policies at home and abroad.

There have been protests since the flame embarked on a 85,000-mile journey from Ancient Olympia in Greece to Beijing for the Aug. 8-24 Olympic Games.

The torch relay is expected to face demonstrations in San Francisco, New Delhi and possibly elsewhere on its 21-stop, six-continent tour before arriving in mainland China on May 4.

I wonder how all those corporate sponsors are feeling about their investment in the China games now?

I previously posted on the expected problems in San Francisco when the torch arrives there are April 9th. That should be good.

I remember in 1984 when the torch run passed a few blocks from my home in Santa Ana, CA. People were lined up along the street where it was to pass early in the morning, and there were great cheers and emotion as the runner ran by. I thought the whole thing was pretty cool. I bet the Chinese would pay a whole lot of yuan to be able to recreate that feeling today.

UPDATE: I just heard on the radio that the flame was doused for a third time in Paris.

UPDATE 2: Make that four times.