THE FLAME CONTINUES

Yes, for better or worse I am back!
I am happy to see the Czech Republic government have added their voice to that of Poland and said they will not send officials to attend the opening ceremony in Beijing.
So the Chinese authorities are worried, and so they should be. The Olympic flame reached Beijing yesterday and Tiananmen Square was closed off for fear of protests.
A Senior Chinese official claims that India acknowledges Tibet is part of China, which should not surprise anyone after seeing the way the Indian police, (famous for beating and torturing suspects), treated Tibetan protesters.
Mr. Narayanan, a National Security advisor in India, made the statement to State Councillor Dai Bingguo, (according to Dai Bingguo anyway). He continued by saying the government in Delhi did not support independence for Tibet or allow anti-Chinese actions on India's soil.
Once against the invasion of Tibet, the Indian government now seems fairly happy to cuddle up to its neighbour. Strange bedfellows for sure, especially seeing as Tibet’s government in exile, plus it’s spiritual leader, reside in India. I guess you could call it diplomacy – I’d call it hypocrisy; but then what would I know?
The Chinese government are not dumb, and right now are making pre-emptive strikes. In London, for instance, the embassy is rounding up supporters ready for Sunday when the flame travels through London. They know very well that protesters and activists will dog its progress from Wembley to Greenwich.
The “Overseas Chinese Students for the Olympics” Association, ( do you think there is a tiny chance this is run by Beijing?), is organising an unofficial guard for the flame, and that could cause some serious problems for the Metropolitan police.
It is travelling by bus and boat part of the way, but will be exposed when carried through the streets between Ladbroke Grove and Lancaster Gate, then London Bridge to Whitechapel in East London.
Matt Whitticase, from Free Tibet is urging the London police to keep the two groups of protesters apart to avoid a flashpoint, (Free Tibet has held a number of meetings with officials over this).
If you want to see the exact route visit this site
http://www.london.gov.uk/torchrelay/london/map.jsp

The group supporting the Olympics claim on their web site that they have the support of the Chinese embassy. Well, does that surprise you? I would reckon they are RUN by the Chinese embassy based on claims by an ex-official about another such group in the U.S. 2 years ago.
I am hoping to join the protests Sunday, but waiting for permission from my surgeon seeing as how I have just had heart surgery.