BANA takes the Olympic torch by Storm

Today the BANA network participated in the Olympic torch run in San Francisco.  Besides us there were thousands of protesters and pro-Chinese demonstrators (and several hundred useless police officers, a few police helicopters, and the Coast Guard to make the Chinese government happy). 

The demonstration was a strange experience even for seasoned protesters.  As famous game reviewer Ben Yahtzee Croshaw would say it was as is if "humanity's on the galactic political stage having a dick waving competition with a variety of alien races who all speak English and pleasant North American dialects." 

The most numerous contingent were Chinese nationals and a much numerically smaller pro Tibetan contingent.  These two sides got into heated arguments at times but generally stayed polite with Chinese flags and pro Tibetan signs intermingling at random.  There was a much smaller (but vocal) group of youths chanting something about Darfur and "free Tibet!"  The sad part was that even with a lot of posturing by the police asking people to move onto the sidewalks, etc, after a couple hours of standing around people got the idea that it was canceled or changed routes.  In fact the torch was whisked away on a different route than the one advertised to everyones disappointment.  It turns out that it went on a "run" in a bus for a couple miles before being taken out on the rest of it's protest free journey.  One commentator on sfgate.com had this to say about the bait and switch tactics of the Mayor:

"Gavin Newsom runs San Francisco the way the premier of China runs his country- secrecy, lies, misinformation, lack of transparency and manipulating the populace," Peskin said. "He misled supporters and opponents of the run. People brought their families and their children, and (mayoral officials) hatched a cynical plan to please the Bush State Department and the Chinese government because of the incredible influence of money."

It's difficult to deny that however what impressed me most was the number of Communist Chinese flags, the number of which would rival any Mao Zedong rally.  Chants of "free Tibet!" were invariably met with "Dalai Lies!" Rrrriiiiiiiight. 

Nearly all of the Chinese in attendance seemed to be oblivious or just not care about the ramifications of their pride in their homeland (which is understandable, but not an excuse).  There were many shouting "no politics" or conversations were heard from Americans who hate "protesters" or think that sports should not be embroidered in political undertones.  Sfgate.com has an excellent video as to why this is important.

The fact is (as Troy Southgate wrote elsewhere) that the Olympics is all about capitalism and boosting the Chinese economy even more. 

It's the BANA networks position to be in full support of the Free Tibet campaign and ending of Chinese imperialism in Darfur as we support the National Revolutionary Movements of all native peoples. 

Needless to say, our favorite part of the event was the collective Rick Rolled played on the crowd by some prankster with a super loud speaker in a warehouse on King Street (if you've never been so fortunate, click this link).