Bad Press: San Fran Keeps The Torch Flaming

The Olympic torch made its only American tour stop in San Francisco yesterday.

What was supposed to be a historic event marking the end of a long four-year wait for another fun filled Olympic month of watching woman’s gymnastics on my couch with a case of RedBull and a bottle of Jergens hand lotion, turned sour.

Protesters lined the streets to prevent the torch from making its journey to the scenic waterfront for closing ceremonies. This Whip It Out columnist was confused about what the SF citizens were protesting. The most obvious thing I could think of was the Olympic torch was set to travel down Castro Street. Olympic flame, Castro Street, “flaming” torch, tight jogging pants...you get what I’m driving at here?

That’s right, I thought it was obviously an anti-Cuban protest. I was wrong.


Turns out a few local basin dwellers feel strongly about the struggle between China and Tibet and thought interrupting the Olympic torch relay would help keep the peace between the two nations.

Although I don’t agree with using the Olympics to protest politics, I will say it’s about time we had a little controversy surrounding the games. The world hasn’t seen this much heat with the Olympics since the whole Hitler thing in the 1930’s, and a close second being the German Women’s Weight Lifting Team in the 80’s. You know, the team of girls with the Adam’s apples and the penises?

Enjoy the games fellow gymnastic lovers!

Cheers

Paul Myrehaug is the 2007 Great Canadian Laugh Off Champion, beating out thousands of comics from around the world. Whip it Out Comedy discovered Paul at the Vancouver Comedy Festival, and he has recently ranted about a police state and visited Cuba. You can catch him at www.seadonkey.org and read his column here every other Friday.