The Olympics are the world’s greatest celebrations. They are symbols of unity and an opportunity for differences to be set aside. The 2008 Olympic Torch relay was themed the Journey of Harmony. However, rampant protests and demonstrations have turned the event into a prolonged political demonstration. In Paris, supports rushed the torch and attempted to grab it. In London, the reception was much the same with demonstrators violently attempted to impede the torch.

Freedom of speech and peaceful public demonstration are perfectly acceptable. Manic attempts to extinguish the Olympic torch and steal it are not. While the protectors who engaged in such attempts may believe they were furthering the cause, they achieved nothing more than alienating supporters and ruining the event. Plans for boycotts by politicians and demonstrations are nothing more than insults to the host country, and destroy any progress toward a resolution to their cause.