Soapbox

Should the torch relay be abandoned?

Apr 08 08:11am

After much protesting and violence, the Olympic torch is looking more like a guiding light for controversy and anger than a 'sacred flame' of peace and unity.

China's torch relay drama is a long way from the Sydney 2000 experience of crowds waving happily from the sidelines with minimum security.

Should the torch relay be abandoned - what do you think? Tell us below...

More info: Olympic Torch chaos

40 Comments Report Abuse

1. yygall - Apr 08 08:25am

It seems a little hypocritical to comment on a matter which only little is understood. The relationship between Tibet and China is much more complex than one of just the oppressor and the opressed: maybe it's time you read a little about Tibetan and Chinese history.

2. jzouy1 - Apr 08 08:27am

no i dont think we should, from individual point of view maybe, but if you look at a international point of view, i dont, on the end no one is the winner. so why? just let it go as planed, and let the pretesters do whatever they want. and i dont think the chinese government would move back no matter what, so good luck protesters.

3. zugzw4ng - Apr 08 08:30am

Everyone is saying that 'sport and politics shouldn't mix'. The awarding of the olympics to china was a political decision. no-one doubts that china will use the olympics for its own propaganda purposes in the same way nazi germany used the berlin olympics in 1936.

4. vizelaurel - Apr 08 08:35am

I am disgusted at the conduct of these certain protestors,yes it is good to have a voice but not to this extent.The flame represents a peacefull union of nations.Very happy to see it being re-lit tho.
I think more than ever the torch relay should go ahead.Direct
Protest to China,not a flame.

5. wiltshire.karen - Apr 08 08:35am

I would hate to see anyone hurt due to the Olympic torch relay protests BUT maybe this is the only means by which the Tibetan People can let the world know that they are in disparate need of help. Maybe there should be an investigation into what is happening in Tibet for Humanitarian reasons.

6. dragon_argent_ritter - Apr 08 08:45am

A better question is should we abandon the Tibetan people (and all the other minorities oppressed by the Chinese government) to the cruelty and oppression of the Chinese government? What right do we have to play sports at an event hosted by this regime? The Munich '36 comparisons are valid.

7. searletania - Apr 08 08:56am

we recently toured china while in xian hijacking of other australian tourists happenend this was not on any china news that we could see at all. our tour guides and escorts did not even know about it. we only found out after a phone call from australia. the following plane hijacking was not aired to

8. facta_2000 - Apr 08 09:15am

Living in England I saw how much more politically and socially aware Europeans are than us. Returning to live in Australia I realised it was the lack of media coverage which created this ignorance. The torch relay protests have forced the media to highlight the Tibet situation to all Australians.

9. sealey_rachael - Apr 08 10:00am

Its a hard subject to comment on when we know so little of the history behind the furore and surrounding it. And as for boycotting all things made in China well its alittle late now isn't it,everything is made in China these days but i am definately behind Barretta and will try .

10. rossco122 - Apr 08 12:14pm

the world should stand on its hind legs & boycott the games compelety. china has a very poor record on human rights & needs to be put in its place

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