More Torch Stuff (but no pitchforks)

There’s quite a lot of protesters already outside Parliament. Probably the biggest Police presence I saw on my way in.

yeah, Kings Ave was a seething mass of red flags with stars on them, Americans would be having the horrors, Communists! I hope the good guys are organised and give a good account of themselves.

Tons more traffic than usual this morning, looks like everyone got the message. Sadly, it seems to have meant more dead roos on Captain’s Flat road, as people were out at dawn, roo time. There were a lot of new dead ones, and some dying ones. The Wildcare lady I rang on my mobile said it was the 3rd call about one newly hit roo.

Driving into work today there was a seething mass of folks with Chinese flags along Parkes way and the Kings ave bridge. Only saw one poor chap with a free tibet sign. I think the odds have been well and truly stacked on the side of the Chinese.

CANETOADS FOR A FREE TIBET.

The bridge closures are total, no walking across on the footpaths.

I’d probably go to the protests if there was reliable public transport to get there (eg rail). Maybe that’s why we don’t have it- stop the lazy from rallying?

Thanks for the updates Jazz.

“Reading the Names of those who have died in tibet?? Tibet has been around for some time, thats got to be a really long list…”

Not really Jazz, dont forget those blokes believe in reincarnation, so that haven’t really died, they are now monkies, rats, donkeys and union officials.

Perhaps the protesters can use Bob Brown to smother the flame – being a wet blanket and all?

I wonder if the Chinese Govt has researched whether Tibetan prayer flags burn as well as Tibetan people do?

I just bought some Tibetan prayer flags – Thumper, April 2008

Tagline nomination.

OzChick said :

Wednesday 23 April – Torch relay eve

What: Candlelight Prayer Vigil

Where: Chinese Embassy, Coronation Drive, Yarralumla

When: Wednesday 23 April, 5.30pm to 8.00pm

Program: Reading of names of those who have died in Tibet, Tibetan Buddhist prayers, Tibetan National anthem.

Reading the Names of those who have died in tibet?? Tibet has been around for some time, thats got to be a really long list…

Ahh, glad to see that the protest includes

1x Senator Bob Brown

as per regulations.

I have got some Tibetan Prayer Eggs for the occasion.

A pretty peaceful pitchfork then!

I got this forwarded to me today (the pitchfork kinda stuff):

Hello Supporters of Human Rights and Tibet

Please find below the program of events for when the Olympic torch comes to Canberra. The aim of these events is to send a strong, positive, peaceful message that human rights in Tibet must be improved.

Please forward this information to as many people as possible. With the eyes of the world on Canberra, a successful, peaceful protest by us all will be an important step towards an improvement in human rights in Tibet.

Wednesday 23 April – Torch relay eve

What: Candlelight Prayer Vigil

Where: Chinese Embassy, Coronation Drive, Yarralumla

When: Wednesday 23 April, 5.30pm to 8.00pm

Program: Reading of names of those who have died in Tibet, Tibetan Buddhist prayers, Tibetan National anthem.

Thursday 24 April – Torch Relay day

What: Rally for Human Rights in Tibet

Where: The lawns in front of new Parliament House

When: Our program will start at 9am (the torch is expected at 9.20am) and finish around 10am. We ask that people come much earlier to save a good spot on the lawns and given parking difficulties. We will be there from 8.00am.

Program: Speakers include: Senator Bob Brown, Mr Tenzin Atisha-la (His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s representative in Australia), George Farley (Chairman of the Australia Tibet Council), Venerable Tenzin Ringpaponsang (ACT Tibetan Community): and cultural and musical performance.

What: En route protest

Where: On Commonwealth Ave, between Parkes Way and Commonwealth Bridge (just before the torch goes down to Stage 88). We will travel here on foot from Parliament House.

When: 11.00am (the torch is expected to pass between 11.00am and 11.30am.)

What: Prayer Vigil

Where: Chinese Embassy, Coronation Drive, Yarralumla

When: 12 noon – 2pm.

Program: Reading of His Holiness’s open letter to his Chinese brothers and sisters, prayers.

We would also encourage you to undertake your own acts of peaceful protest along the route.

Please feel free to contact Temay Rigzin (ACT Tibetan community) on 0422 766 495 or acttibetancommunity@gmail.com with any questions or ideas. Also, visit http://www.atc.org.au for information. The torch relay route can be found here http://www.events.act.gov.au/#04-24-2008/beijing-olympic-torch-relay/2.

We hope to see you there.

Kind regards,

Tsewang and Temay
ACT Tibetan Community

There are fireworks tonight at 6pm (Mt A, Black Mt, Red Hill) then another lot tomorrow morning just after 6 am (not sure where). In the road closures list you forgot that Parkes av between Kings Av and Canberra Av bridges will be closed from 7 am.

They also recommended that anyone working in Civic be there before 8:15 am to “avoid delays”

Basically it’s going to be one big CF.

Makes me glad I can walk to work.

The morning fireworks are meant to be auspicious, at the same time showing off how much Stanhope knows about China, by saying “China: fireworks and manufactured goods. Canberra: porn, government and fireworks.”

Fireworks in the morning when no one will see them? Sounds like something that the ACT “government” would organise.

I thought the fireworks were 6AM?