San Francisco has a well-earned reputation for being one of the most liberal cities in the U.S.
The Olympic Torch run took place here today with few incidents - however, it was done so with much secrecy (the route was changed dramtically, to avoid protestors), and with extremely tight security (more than for visits by the President).
These actions prompted this response from the Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin:
Quote:
"(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.
"He did it so China can report they had a great torch run," Peskin said. "It's the worst kind of government - government by deceit and misinformation."
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Yesterday, Richard Gere and the Rev. Desmond Tutu gave impassioned speeches at a protest rally in San Francisco on behalf of the Free Tibet movement. The Beijing Olympics have focused attention on this issue more than at any time in the past, and I think the Tibetan people and their supporters are correct in using the international spotlight to draw attention to their issue and to put pressure on the Chinese government through peaceful demonstrations.
ADG