Disgrace: Olympic torch bearer ejected — for carrying Tibetan flag; Update: Athletes who display Tibetan flag to be banned from games?
posted at 5:30 pm on April 10, 2008 by Allahpundit
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I was going to give you the clip of McCain saying this morning that he’d boycott the opening ceremony as president but we’ve already had that debate. If you’re curious, watch it here. Your time is better spent on this travesty yesterday in San Francisco, in which Gavin Newsom’s best laid plans to avoid embarrassing the Chinese — including an eleventh-hour re-routing of the torch relay to keep it away from protesters — were thwarted by torch-bearer Majora Carter. She had a small Tibetan flag stashed up her sleeve; when they passed her the torch, she pulled it out and the Chinese “security” team traveling with them pounced. Watch as one of the American cops shows her how they do it in Beijing, giving her a gratuitous shove into the crowd to keep her away from the communist propaganda pageant she was momentarily a part of. She’s wrong on the law, to be sure; her free speech rights don’t entitle her to violate the contract she signed before participating. But watching U.S. cops enforce Chinese policy is so disgusting, Newsom should have simply canceled the event lest he be forced to do it. Exit quotation: “Because we’re America, we can do that.”
Update: One of the commenters wonders why criminal law enforcement is concerned here with civil contract law. My guess: Because she breached the contract, she was no longer allowed to participate in the relay. Once she lost that status, she became just another spectator who was beyond the barrier set up by the sidewalk and had to be escorted back. It’s the enforcement of the permit for the relay where the criminal part comes in, not the enforcement of the contract, although in practical effect they’re the same.
Update: Don’t blame the ChiComs for this. It ain’t their rule.
Athletes displaying Tibetan flags at Olympic venues – including in their own rooms – could be expelled from the Beijing Games under anti-propaganda rules.
Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), said that competitors were free to express their political views but faced sanctions if they indulged in propaganda…
The question of what will constitute propaganda during the Games in August and what will be considered opinion under IOC rules is one vexing many in the Olympic movement. The Olympic Charter bans any kind of “demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda” in any Olympic venue or area…
At the Sydney Games in 2000 Olympic chiefs allowed Cathy Freeman to use the Aboriginal flag to highlight the plight of the Stolen Generation after she won a gold medal in the 400 metres.
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Liberals complaining that leftists act like communists is rather funny
Defector01 on April 10, 2008 at 5:35 PM
Being a socialist, Gavin has much more in common with the ChiComs than with the US Constitution.
jgapinoy on April 10, 2008 at 5:37 PM
Was it necessary to shove her too?
This is sad.
ToddonCapeCod on April 10, 2008 at 5:38 PM
She’s wrong on the law, to be sure; her free speech rights don’t entitle her to violate the contract she signed before participating. But watching U.S. cops enforce Chinese policy is so disgusting
Um, so you agree she broke the law, but the cops aren’t enforcing that law, but communism by escorting (er, shoving) this woman out of the procession? I don’t agree with the shove, but if you say she broke the law, how do you make the jump to say the cops are acting on behalf of China and not US law?
Tom_Shipley on April 10, 2008 at 5:38 PM
I work here in San Francisco. The whole event was a disaster from the beginning. Anyone who knows this city could have figured out that the usual violent mob of professional protesters here would be a problem. Personally, I think Newsom did the right thing.
The local “activist” crowd here is outraged, of course. Even the ACLU has opined that “someone’s” civil rights may have been violated.
The runner did sign a contract. But our police here should never have touched her, and should have arrested any Chinese agents who assaulted her or shoved her.
No one here wants to cross the Chinese. The Chinese Six Companies here are very powerful politically and have been for 100 years. A single “NO” from them can kill any politican who crosses them.
sdillard on April 10, 2008 at 5:39 PM
The Olympics shouldn’t be politicized.
TheBigOldDog on April 10, 2008 at 5:39 PM
The fish rots from the head down.
MB4 on April 10, 2008 at 5:39 PM
She’s right on the law.
Screw communism.
indythinker on April 10, 2008 at 5:40 PM
I hope that the cop who shoved her is so very proud of himself.
wise_man on April 10, 2008 at 5:41 PM
Well, in defense of the cops, China’s money pretty much pays their salary these days.
Benaiah on April 10, 2008 at 5:42 PM
Because the U.S. contract law they’re enforcing is being used here to serve Chinese policy in Tibet. That’s why I say Newsom shouldn’t have agreed to host it.
Allahpundit on April 10, 2008 at 5:43 PM
If she’s that concerned about “freeing Tibet” maybe she shouldn’t have agreed to be a torch bearer, no? I can’t quite make out WHY the cop pushed her into the reporters.
Either way, I haven’t watch the Olympics in a couple of decades, so I don’t really care either way.
robblefarian on April 10, 2008 at 5:43 PM
Of course not. There is too much money to be made. Too many arm chairs to be worn out. Too much beer to be drunk. Too many chips to be eaten.
MB4 on April 10, 2008 at 5:44 PM
Why? Carrying it brought much more attention to the cause.
Allahpundit on April 10, 2008 at 5:44 PM
Good for her for trying.
The IOC deserves all this shitstorm for picking China in the first place.
These will be the worst Olympics yet.
Dave Rywall on April 10, 2008 at 5:45 PM
Shouldn’t but they are. Look at what happened in 2004 to Aaron Peirsol for criticizing the Japanese top Breastroker for cheating; a French judge issued a fake DQ on a nonexistent motion.
Peirsol legitimately won his gold, but it appeared tainted because a Frenchman who hated America pulled a stunt.
Meanwhile, the IOC chair refused to do anything and FINA decided to make Kitajima’s move legal, rather than strip him of his medal.
darclon on April 10, 2008 at 5:45 PM
Tru dat.
robblefarian on April 10, 2008 at 5:46 PM
To paraphrase the great Mark Steyn, the second we actually try to free Tibet, all the bumper stickers will read “War is not the Answer”.
sweeper on April 10, 2008 at 5:47 PM
Instead of San Francisco, why couldn’t a real American city have been picked for this event?
whitetop on April 10, 2008 at 5:48 PM
Send in Romney! He’ll straighten out this mess of Olympic proportions!
jgapinoy on April 10, 2008 at 5:48 PM
Um, can you, in California, use ASSAULT to enforce Contract Law?
I thought Contract law, being a CIVIL matter would have to be ajudatcated by a Court.
I know (by personal experience) that assualt can not be used in defense of property (caught a guy in my car, stealing my stereo, but it was “suggested” I not press charges after I nailed him… as I would have been in Jail longer than he would have been…).
Romeo13 on April 10, 2008 at 5:49 PM
It’s a shame that all the people who China have either murdered or imprisoned for political reasons such as not keeping their mouths shut – are responsible for inconveniencing the Chinese government publicly like this.
Any other good American who keeps their mouth shut when it comes to this Olympics in 2008 pleases the Chinese government.
You do what you want, TheBigOldDog.
wise_man on April 10, 2008 at 5:50 PM
Good point. Why China? They could have picked a country that doesn’t have a horrible human rights record.
terryannonline on April 10, 2008 at 5:50 PM
The whole Olympics have brought more attention to the cause since it has angered so many people.
Esthier on April 10, 2008 at 5:51 PM
Look at the first picture:
There is your answer.
darclon on April 10, 2008 at 5:51 PM
I made harsh comments about Majora Carter yesterday, because I thought she was supporting the Chinese propaganda play. I was wrong. If she views this blog, I apologize.
gridlock2 on April 10, 2008 at 5:52 PM
That is a disgrace. Screw the communists.
CP on April 10, 2008 at 5:53 PM
Did she actually break the law? Or is it just that she isn’t explicitly protected by it?
Besides, San Fran never seems to have a problem with civil disobedience when it’s something against Bush or the right. When it comes to protecting Chinese policy, they’ll shove you (literally) to the side.
amerpundit on April 10, 2008 at 5:53 PM
And shame on that policeman that shoved her. That was unnecessary.
CP on April 10, 2008 at 5:53 PM
Aint that the truth.
12thman on April 10, 2008 at 5:54 PM
I’m looking forward to the Sudan 2016 Olympics myself.
amerpundit on April 10, 2008 at 5:54 PM
I’d like to see the contract. Still, lawyers don’t really speak of a breach of contract (assuming one occurred) as “breaking the law.” I don’t even think we speak of “enforcing contract law,” not when we’re being technical. The state enforces contracts. It applies contract law to do so. I quibble because it goes to what the role (if any) of “law enforcement” (the police) is here.
boko fittleworth on April 10, 2008 at 5:54 PM
Reminds me of the cops in front of the recruitment center in Berkeley.
And the left calls us fascists.
RushBaby on April 10, 2008 at 5:56 PM
Yeah, that’s another good point. Contract enforcement typically involves civil remedies and money damages. It’s unusual to have law enforcement involved.
Allahpundit on April 10, 2008 at 5:57 PM
What? No Tasing? Slackers!
ronsfi on April 10, 2008 at 5:57 PM
Sorry – I have no sympathy for her. None. She lied to get into the event. She lied when she was interviewed in advance as to how proud she was to be a torch bearer. She lied when she concealed the flag. She was shoved – too bad. Her response was a racist remark ironically related to Asains – “the cop was all over me like white on rice”. The cops had enough crap to deal with before she pulled her stunt.
Enlightened on April 10, 2008 at 5:57 PM
Since when was the figure of speech “like white on rice” considered racist?
RushBaby on April 10, 2008 at 5:59 PM
The police certainly aren’t empowered to enforce whatever contract she may have signed, by force. They are, however, empowered to “keep the peace,” which is surely what they will say their actions were intended to do.
The shuv was overboard but at least he didn’t tase her, bro.
12thman on April 10, 2008 at 6:00 PM
The Chinese government is so very proud of your views, Enlightened.
wise_man on April 10, 2008 at 6:01 PM
When it is nation states as the teams how can they not be politicized?
Limerick on April 10, 2008 at 6:01 PM
I thought law enforcement couldn’t enforce laws relating to the display of flags if the flags are private property. Isn’t that what we’ve been told in relation to Mexican flags being flown above or in place of US flags?
FloatingRock on April 10, 2008 at 6:01 PM
I’d like to see them argue that. Is peacefully carrying a flag in a public street now disrupting the peace? If so, there are quite a few pro-illegal alien protesters that need to be locked up.
amerpundit on April 10, 2008 at 6:01 PM
I’m Acadiens and we eat rice with everything: Jambalaya, Gumbo, Étouffée, Bisque, Macque Choux, etc. My uncle is also a rice farmer, should I be offended?
Who are these Asains you refer to?
darclon on April 10, 2008 at 6:02 PM
I never knew that “like white on rice” was a racist remark, but then to some people these day almost anything is, and maybe if some cop can’t act more like a professional he shouldn’t be a cop.
MB4 on April 10, 2008 at 6:02 PM
Is “like a bear on honey” a racist remark?
MB4 on April 10, 2008 at 6:04 PM
What does being proud to be a torch-bearer have to do with showing support for Tibet? Do you have to support Chinese policy in order to carry it?
And “like white on rice” isn’t a slur aimed at Asians. It’s an expression.
amerpundit on April 10, 2008 at 6:04 PM
You bearist!
amerpundit on April 10, 2008 at 6:05 PM
Maybe these Asains are from the province of Asain where the Chinese brutally cracked down on an independence movement where everyone around kept their mouths shut and didn’t protest, didn’t speak out because they were told not to, like the good citizens they were – so no one knows about them in the rest of the world.
Just a guess.
wise_man on April 10, 2008 at 6:06 PM
Support the right to arm bears!
MB4 on April 10, 2008 at 6:06 PM
bearist…or HONest…LOL
RushBaby on April 10, 2008 at 6:07 PM
She’s not right. She was completely wrong and deserved everything she got.
Chudi on April 10, 2008 at 6:07 PM
Since when was the figure of speech “like white on rice” considered racist?
It is highly derogatory of Asian women – it roughly translates to a white man having sex with an Asian woman.
Sounds pretty racist to me. Since it was a white cop that pushed her, I personally believe she meant it as an epithet, not as a friendly description of the man.
Enlightened on April 10, 2008 at 6:08 PM
No. but it is specist.
darclon on April 10, 2008 at 6:08 PM
Uh – Wow – I typo’d Asian. Look at the big brains pointing that one out.
Enlightened on April 10, 2008 at 6:09 PM
That is what the nazis said about the Jews.
MB4 on April 10, 2008 at 6:10 PM
“What does being proud to be a torch-bearer have to do with showing support for Tibet? Do you have to support Chinese policy in order to carry it?”
As a matter of fact – yes. She had to be approved by the Chinese committee – so she obviously lied to them.
Enlightened on April 10, 2008 at 6:10 PM
Enlightened on April 10, 2008 at 6:08 PM
Enlightened on April 10, 2008 at 6:09 PM
You need to stop while you’re ahead.
wise_man on April 10, 2008 at 6:11 PM
You guys didn’t get the memo? Now any time a black person mentions a color or an “ethnic leaning” food (think rice, potatos or curry) in any statement it is automatically racist.
12thman on April 10, 2008 at 6:11 PM
The Chinese government is so very proud of your views, Enlightened.
So I’m a Chinese supporter because I pointed out she is a liar?
I thought the Chinese would be more proud of me if I kept my mouth shut.
Which is it?
Enlightened on April 10, 2008 at 6:12 PM
The world knew what China was when they agreed to let the host the Olympics. If the world has a problem with China, they should have not granted them honor of hosting.
The Olympics are about the world’s greatest athletes getting together to compete every four years. It’s not about Tibet, Afghanistan, Israel, National Socialism or any other damn political issue.
TheBigOldDog on April 10, 2008 at 6:12 PM
How about “like foam on beer”?
What is that? Foamist?
MB4 on April 10, 2008 at 6:12 PM
What about the 1936 Olympics?
MB4 on April 10, 2008 at 6:13 PM
Or Duck on a Junebug.
Duckist!
RushBaby on April 10, 2008 at 6:14 PM
huh? Where in the world did you get your degree in bigot code-speak?
Here in the U.S. of A. this phrase simply means they were all over her.
http://www.clichesite.com/content.asp?which=tip+1790
12thman on April 10, 2008 at 6:16 PM
Depends what kind of beer. Is it a blonde? A Belgian Trappist Ale? An Irish Red? A German Pilsener?
darclon on April 10, 2008 at 6:16 PM
Do you not know what National Socialism is and why I put that specifically in the list? Would it have helped if I shortened it to Nazism?
TheBigOldDog on April 10, 2008 at 6:16 PM
She lied to liars?
How quaint.
MB4 on April 10, 2008 at 6:17 PM
Oh, you mean they are being treated like White Guys? I guess this whole equal rights and treatment thing is starting to work!
Romeo13 on April 10, 2008 at 6:18 PM
I’m not a lawyer but If the torchbearer breached her contract with the Chinese or the Olympic committee, isn’t the onus on them to sue her in civil court? I’ve never heard of cops enforcing private contracts before.
FloatingRock on April 10, 2008 at 6:19 PM
Oh am I glad you brought that up. The torch relay was invented for the 1936 Olympics; it’s not even an ancient Greek tradition. Heavily excerpted from the source:
RushBaby on April 10, 2008 at 6:20 PM
It would be fun to listen to you all scream if the Olympics were in the US rather than China and people all over the world were taking shots at the US over Iraq and/or Afghanistan or some other excuse. It all comes down to who’s ox is being gored for most people. As for me, I like to keep my sports and my politics completely separate. Sports is one of the few things in life that brings people of all races, creed, economics, ages, and political persuasions together.
TheBigOldDog on April 10, 2008 at 6:24 PM
Yes, I know what “National Socialism” is. In Germany it was the National Socialist German Workers Party. And yes, I was pretty sure why you put it in the list and no it would not have “helped” (made any difference) if you had put “Nazism” in the list instead.
Did you somehow think that I was agreeing with you about the Olympics and “National Socialism”?
MB4 on April 10, 2008 at 6:26 PM
No, as usual I have no idea what you’re saying.
TheBigOldDog on April 10, 2008 at 6:29 PM
I want to know if the SF police chief has any ties to Beijing
I only bring this up because she was a carrier desk jockey & only got her job because of her sex and ethnicity and not once has she showed this much concern about any of the other protest that damage private property or cost the city tax payers , to clean up and baby sit the moonbats.
Mojack420 on April 10, 2008 at 6:30 PM
Nonfactor on April 10, 2008 at 6:32 PM
Just to be completely clear.
I do not agree with you that National Socialism/National Socialist German Workers Party/Nazism was some “damn political issue” in 1936, nor do I think what the Chinese are doing to Tibet in 2008 is some “damn political issue”.
MB4 on April 10, 2008 at 6:33 PM
She shouldn’t have brought the flag.
I’d be furious if the Olympics were in LA and some European torch carrier unveiled a Free Guantanamo! t-shirt.
She shouldn’t have been shoved, but she shouldn’t have done this.
MayBee on April 10, 2008 at 6:38 PM
Let her go and fine her later . . . but don’t manhandle her for doing the right thing, even if it is against the law.
rplat on April 10, 2008 at 6:39 PM
Somehow I think that our founding fathers would have approved.
MB4 on April 10, 2008 at 6:41 PM
The Olympics were originally heralded by runners wearing crowns of olive leaves, to symbolize peace for the duration of the games. So, it seems justifiable to characterize the games as non-political (although national rivalries are what draw the audiences as much as the athletes). However, the torch relays are most assuredly political.
RushBaby on April 10, 2008 at 6:42 PM
Sounds like a challenge.
RobCon on April 10, 2008 at 6:43 PM
I wish I had a Tibetan flag concession there–protected by U.S. Marines of course!
RushBaby on April 10, 2008 at 6:44 PM
What would they have disapproved of? Tibet is not our nation! We, as a Nation, do not need to be involved with it at all. They would understand that the Tibetians have been fighting for years and stood back.
upinak on April 10, 2008 at 6:45 PM
I guess i’m now a nazi, right. That’s Ok. The woman should have left her flag at home if she wanted to participate in the torch bearing. if she wanted to protest, she should have left the torch and taken her place among all the other protesters. Nobody is stopping her from protesting…but do it responsibly, and not do it under false pretenses. I don’t care for people like that.
She was wrong, and deserved everything she got.
Chudi on April 10, 2008 at 6:45 PM
It’s Berlin ‘36!
Cue Leni Reifenstahl…
TexasJew on April 10, 2008 at 6:49 PM
Your grasping at straws and that could constitute assault in todays day and age.
Ciannaky on April 10, 2008 at 6:53 PM
I thought that was supposed to be one of the “great” things about the Olympics, that they were NOT political.
reine.de.tout on April 10, 2008 at 6:53 PM
I assume its been asked a thousand times, but this is my question as well: WTF were they thinking doing this in San Francisco?
These people protest the sunrise. The protest their own protests. Of course this was going to be a disaster.
Professor Blather on April 10, 2008 at 6:56 PM
How about climbing trees like monkeys?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-carpenter-trustee-both-08apr08,1,7865773.story?track=rss
bloggless on April 10, 2008 at 6:57 PM
Boycott NBC in August.
mram on April 10, 2008 at 6:57 PM
People, remember now, this is the same police force that allowed the Miller Street Festerville.
bloggless on April 10, 2008 at 6:58 PM
If the games were being held in the USA and she pulled out a No Blood for Oil sign they would have given her a friggin medal.
Ciannaky on April 10, 2008 at 6:58 PM
Rice is white in color. The color white is therefore very physically close to grains of rice, actually, it “touches” rice. If someone is “one you like white on rice”, it means they touched you. I’m 60 years old and never heard your explanation of that phrase. Where did you come from?
reine.de.tout on April 10, 2008 at 7:00 PM
Somehow I think that our founding fathers would have approved.
The US is a huge target of protesters. We also want to hold the Olympics in 2016. When you see some French guy carry our torch wearing an Abu Gharib-style hood, remember to smile like George Washington would have.
MayBee on April 10, 2008 at 7:01 PM
And another thing – lots of folks eat rice, not just “Asians”. In my part of the country, rice is grown, harvested and sold, and we eat it frequently. Why do you associate “rice” with “Asian”? Who is the racist here?
reine.de.tout on April 10, 2008 at 7:02 PM
And another thing – lots of folks eat rice, not just “Asians”. In my part of the country, rice is grown, harvested and sold, and we eat it frequently. Why do you associate “rice” with “Asian”? Who is the racist here?
reine.de.tout on April 10, 2008 at 7:02 PM
They’re anti-Crawfish!
TexasJew on April 10, 2008 at 7:06 PM
Mindcrime on April 10, 2008 at 7:06 PM
No I am not grasping at straws – I have heard it, and read about it. Gay men use it too for white on Asian sex – they even call them Rice Queens. I’m not kidding. I am not a bigot, I think what she said was directed at the white/and Asian cops, and was meant to be derogatory. If I’m wrong about it – so be it. That’s what it sounded like to me.
She had an agenda from the moment she lied to become a torch bearer. I think that mis-represents completely “civil disobedience” and/or Free Speech. She got ugly when she got busted – I do not think that is an example for anyone who wants to peacefully protest.
I have not once indicated I disagree or agree with her political position on Tibet or China. I am commenting only on her behavior which I personally feel was mis-directed and unfortunate, and deliberately put many people in harm’s way due to the volatility of the situation. The cops were on high alert and she snuck right into their midst. I have no problem with the cop shoving her – she disobeyed strict orders and was shoved into the crowd of protestors she should have originally been with anyway. Big Deal.
Enlightened on April 10, 2008 at 7:06 PM
I think Andy Roddick is not playing the olympics because of the whole China mess. Good for him. To be fair, it’s not a huge deal to professional sports figures as it is for amateurs which makes this whole thing even more complicated.
SouthernGent on April 10, 2008 at 7:07 PM
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