Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

SF Protesters Roast Mayor Over Olympic Torch

Mayor criticized over plan to register protesters

By Will Font,  Newser User

Posted Apr 6, 2008 4:45 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Olympic torch arrives Wednesday in San Francisco, and Mayor Gavin Newsom is already being flamed in advance of expected protests. Tens of thousands are expected to fill the streets of the "protest-happy city" to condemn China's treatment of Tibet, reports Newsweek.  Newsom's plan to require demonstrators to register for permits has drawn criticism, and city supervisors are clamoring for Newsom to sign a resolution criticizing Chinese policy.

"I'm not obliged to be told by politicians how I should speak," retorts the mayor. Concerns are mounting that feisty protesters could become violent. "Disagree, but don't be disagreeable," Newsom cautioned activists. "I don't want to see people in riot gear." He reminds the Left Coast: “This is not China's torch; this is the Olympic torch.”

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom gestures as he addresses the Sacramento Press Club in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday,  March 25, 2008
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom gestures as he addresses the Sacramento Press Club in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, March 25, 2008   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
Tibetan activists in exile carry an Independence torch during a protest march in New Delhi on March 30, 2008.
Tibetan activists in exile carry an "Independence torch" during a protest march in New Delhi on March 30, 2008.   (Getty Images (by Event) Individuals)
Protestors carry signs outside of City Hall in San Francisco, Monday, March 10, 2008.
Protestors carry signs outside of City Hall in San Francisco, Monday, March 10, 2008.   (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

SF Mayor Takes Heat for Torch Dodge

Flame Arrives in San Francisco

Torch Changes Keep Protesters Off Balance

San Francisco in Fine Frenzy Over Torch

SF Happy Meal Ban Survives Mayoral Veto


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne